Blog

Want to learn a foreign language online?

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 15:14:00 GMT

If you are interested in learning a foreign language (French, German, Russian, Spanish, or Italian) online, please contact us! We are available to help you reach your language goals.

German "bathroom" vocabulary

Sat, 21 Jul 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Here are a few words relevant for the "bathroom" in German.

Seife = Soap

Handtuch = Towel

Wasser = Water

Zahnbürste = Toothbrush

Zahnpasta = Toothpaste

Shampoo = Shampoo

Dusche = Shower

Bad = Bath

Toilette = Toilet

A new way to learn German online

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 21:50:00 GMT

Here's a link to an article on Slate about a new online course in German. The course is a bit quirky, but easily holds students' interest.

Aber vs. Sondern

Sun, 13 May 2012 19:57:00 GMT

Aber and sondern are two word that both translate as the English word "but." Both words express a contrast, but there are some important differences.

Sondern must always be used when "but" means but rather or but...instead.

Sie bleibt zu Hause, aber er geht ins Kino.
She is staying at home, but he is going to the movie theater.

Sie bleibt nicht zu Hause, sondern geht ins Kino.
She's not staying at home, but rather is going to the movie theater.

Sondern is always followed by a negative statement and expresses a mutually exclusive alternative.

Fragewörter (auf Deutsch)

Sat, 12 May 2012 16:15:00 GMT

Here are the "question words" in German that translate as "who," "whose," and "whom"

wer? = who?
wen? = whom? (direct object, Accusative)
wessen? = whose
wem? = to/for whom (indirect object, Dative)

Example: Wem gibst du das Geld?

Devoted page for German studies

Wed, 09 May 2012 13:45:00 GMT

For those students who are interested in learning German, EmpowerMost now has a dedicated webpage for German studies.

Check out this page for new German articles, vocabulary, grammar topics, and lessons that students can do in their free time.

New content will be added each week. Please email us at empowermost @ gmail.com if you are interested in online lessons in German.

What time is it? (German)

Tue, 01 May 2012 04:40:00 GMT

How to tell time in German:

3:00 - Es ist drei Uhr.

7:15 - Es ist Viertel nach sieben.

9:45 - Es ist Viertel vor zehn.

1:00 - Es ist ein Uhr. OR Es ist eins.

10:12 - Es ist elf (Minuten) nach zehn.

7:46 - Es ist vierzehn vor acht.

German Days of the Week

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:39:00 GMT

Monday	Montag
Tuesday	Dienstag
Wednesday	Mittwoch
Thursday	Donnerstag
Friday	Freitag
Saturday	Samstag
Sunday	Sonntag

EmpowerMost's Russian grammar guide now available on Amazon

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:49:00 GMT

For students who struggle with the grammatical cases in Russia, EmpowerMost has published a book that addresses this complex topic.

Order your book on Amazon today or contact us about special discounts when you sign up for an online grammar class.

The Definite Article in German

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 19:26:00 GMT


CASE	MASCULINE	FEMININE	PLURAL
Nominative	der Brief	die Tasche	die Leute
Accusative	den Brief	die Tasche	die Leute
Dative	dem Brief	der Tasche	den Leuten
Genitive	des Briefes	der Tasche	der Leute

	Neuter

Nominative	das Mädchen
Accusative	das Mädchen
Dative	dem Mädchen
Genitive	des Mädchenes

Russian Verbs of Motion: Prefixes

Sat, 07 Apr 2012 00:15:00 GMT

Below are the most common prefixes for verbs of motion in Russian.

в- - in

вы- - out

до- - as far as, reach

за- - drop in, stop by

об- - around

от- - away

пере- - across

под- - approach

при- - arrival

про- - through, pass

с- - down from

у- - from

German Vocabulary: Sports

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT

golf	Golf
soccer	Fußball
swimming	Schwimmen
bicycling	Radfahren
volleyball	Volleyball
football	Football
basketball	Basketball
tennis	Tennis
hockey	Hockey
baseball	Baseball

German Vocabulary: Furniture

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT

floor	der Boden(ö)
roof	das Dach(ä, er)
shower	die Dusche(n)
stove	der Herd(e)
oven	der Backofen(ö)
refrigerator	der Kühlschrank(e)
dishwasher	die Geschirrspülmaschine(n)
dishes	das Geschirr
kitchen sink	das Spülbecken
alarm clock	der Wecker
television	der Fernseher
telephone	das Telefon(e)
VCR	der Videorekorder
CD Player	der CD-Spieler
computer	der Computer
radio	das Radio(s)

The Russian Instrumental in Context: The Uses of this Case

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:40:00 GMT

The Instrumental has several different uses.

When to Use the Instrumental

1) To indicate the instrument that was used to perform an action.

Example:

We ate ice cream with a spoon.

2) To show the manner in which something is done.

Example:

The man spoke in a quiet voice.

3) With time expressions (e.g. parts of the day or parts of the year) to express “in” or “at.”

Example:

The nurse works at night.

4) To indicate the complement of a verb of being or condition.

Examples:

Казаться to seem

Оказывается, to turn out to be

Оставаться to remain

Становиться to become

Считать to consider someone something

5) With the verb “to be”

The verb “to be” either takes a nominative or an instrumental complement. In the present tense, when the verb is not expressed, the complement is always in the Nominative case, as we saw in Chapter 1.

Он - студент.

He is a student.

Она - преподаватель.

She is a teacher.

To express a condition of being in the past, use the instrumental. Consider this sentence and notice how the instrumental and nominative are both used.

В прошлом году мой сын был студентом; теперь он преподаватель.

Last year my son was a student; now he is a teacher.

The Russian Instrumental In Context: This and These

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT

This week our blog posts will focus on how to use the Instrumental properly in Russian.

Today's lesson is "This" (and "these") in the Instrumental. The chart below should be memorized.

“This” and “These” in the Instrumental

English

Russian

This (masculine)

этим

This (feminine)

этой

This (neuter)

этим

This (plural)

этими

A few verbs that require the Accusative Case in Russian

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 13:30:00 GMT

For those who are participating in EmpowerMost's Russian language class devoted to the cases, the following list of verbs that require the Accusative Case may be helpful.

хотеть	to want
видеть	to see
читать	to read
писать	to write
услышать	to hear
есть	to eat
давать	to give
любить	to love
пить	to drink
носить	to wear
купить	to buy
продавать	to sell
знать	to know
Готовить	to prepare
готовить	to cook

Video to learn the body parts in Russian

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 21:57:00 GMT

This video is a great tool to for students who need a reminder on the body parts in Russian.

Adjectives in the Russian Genitive

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:43:00 GMT

The Genitive Case is typically the most difficult case for English speakers to master. Here is a quick chart to help explain the adjectives in the Genitive Case.

Adjectives in the Genitive

Gender/Number	Ending	Examples
Masculine Мужской род	ого/его	высокого нового
Feminine Женский род	ой/ ей	новой
Neuter Средний род	ого/его	нового
Plural Множественное число	ых/ их	новых

So You Want to Learn a Foreign Language?

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 04:06:00 GMT

One of the questions language students frequently ask EmpowerMost is: How long does it take to learn a second language? The answer depends on many factors, but at the top of the list are: which language the student is attempting to learn and how much time the student will be able to devote to language learning.

Unfortunately there are no quick-fix solutions to learn a language overnight. There are not even very many effective ways to shave off the amount of time it takes for a student to get comfortable with a language.

The four foundational blocks of any language are: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. And there are no short cuts to mastering any of those items. Want to improve your French reading skills? The best way is to spend devote more time to reading French novels and newspaper articles. You want to improve your Russian grammar? The best way to accomplish that is to spend more time doing Russian grammar exercises.

While there certainly are not any miracle tricks to master a foreign language, there are some basic techniques that a student can adopt that will greatly enhance his or her success. Below, we have outlined some of the tools that you can use to expedite your language learning process.

1. Focus on vocabulary: One of the greatest hindrances to fluency is a limited vocabulary. You should generally plan to have a strong command of at least 3,000 words at a minimum, just to function on a day-to-day basis in a language. And it is not uncommon to need 5,000 or more words in order to be comfortable reading a book.

In order to emphasize vocabulary, some techniques that students can try:

-Purchase blank note cards and write out all of the vocabulary words for that week. Carry those cards with you and study them for at least 20 minutes a day.

-Write out vocabulary words in red pen. Some people believe that our minds are capable of remembering things we see in red better than words we see in black or blue.

-Write out sentences that use your new vocabulary. It is better to learn words in context, rather than just the English translation of the word.

2. Don’t neglect grammar! Students often complain that grammar is the least exciting part of learning a language. And they are right. But without grammar, you end up constructing sentences like this one:
To the chair, will sit I must.
To avoid sounding awkward when speaking your second language, it is imperative to devote significant amounts of time to understanding grammar.

3. Listen to the news or radio in your new language. With the internet, it is possible to listen to recordings and live streamings of everything from news shows to radio programs. Take advantage of all of the free resources on the internet.

4. Read in your new language. Again, because of the internet, you now have a free library in your new language. Prior to internet usage, students had to go to the library to check out books or foreign language newspapers. And purchasing a subscription to a foreign language newspaper is extremely expensive. But today, there is no shortage of access to foreign language newspapers, books, and academic resources.

5. Practice, practice, practice! Learning a language is not something that you can do and then forget about and revisit 5 years later. Language learning is a daily exercise and one that requires constant practice and refinement.

Polyglots

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 20:52:00 GMT

Pajama's Media has an interesting post here about a polyglot and about the world of language learning.

New Semester: Russian language classes online

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 16:02:00 GMT

If you are interested in learning Russian, sign up for EmpowerMost's spring semester. Classes last 10-16 weeks, and are customized for the student's individual needs. Email info@empowermost.com for more information and a brochure.

Topics include:

Proper pronunciation
Spelling rules
Conversational skills
Improving vocabulary
Reading short Russian novels
Grammar.

Russian hobby vocabulary

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Кататься на...
	коньках	skating
	лыжах	skiing
	роликах	roller skating
	велосипеде	bycicling
	мотоцикле	motocycling
	машине	car driving

EmpowerMost is hiring Polish translators

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT

EmpowerMost Translations is currently accepting applications for Polish translators. All freelance translators are welcome to apply. Please send resume and cover letter to info@empowermost.com.

Common Uses of the Dative in Russian

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:46:00 GMT

The following are the most common uses of the Dative Case in Russian.

1. As the direct object in a sentence.

2. It is used after the Russian verbs "Помогать" ("to help") and "Советоват" ("to advise").

3. With "Нравиться" ("to like").

4. It is also used in conjuction with some other reflexive verbs (-ся).

5. When using the word "Нужен" (to need).

6. To represent the concept of sending or communicating something.

7. To express one's age.

New video feature from Vzaar

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 13:09:00 GMT

Vzaar has announced a neat feature: the ability to add subtitles to videos. This is a really nice feature for small businesses that want to establish an international online presence.

More information is available here.

Russian Verbs of Motion (Special Verbs)

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Meaning	Verb 1	Я	Ты	Past
To Go (on foot)	Идти	иду	идёшь	шёл, шла, шли
To Go (by vehicle)	Ехать	еду	едешь	ехал, ехала, ехали
To Run	Бежать	бегу	бежишь	бежал, бежала, бежали
To Wander, Stroll	Брести	бреду	бредёшь	брёл, брела, брели
To Carry (by vehicle), Deliver	Везти	везу	везёшь	вёз, везла, везли
To Lead, Conduct	Вести	веду	ведёшь	вёл, вела, вели
To Chase, Drive	Гнать	гоню	гонишь	гнал, гнала, гнали
To Climb	Лезть	лезу	лезeшь	лeз, лезла, лезли
To Fly	Лететь	лечу	летишь	летeл, летeла, летeли
To Carry	Нести	несу	несёшь	нёс, несла, несли
To Swim, Sail	Плыть	плыву	плывёшь	плыл, плыла, плыли
To Crawl	Ползти	ползу	ползёшь	полз, ползла, ползли
To Drag	Тащить	тащу	тащишь	тащил, тащила, тащили

Russian Ordinals

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 05:00:00 GMT

These number words decline like adjectives and they must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they describe.

первый	first	шестнадцатый	sixteenth
второй	second	семнадцатый	seventeenth
третий	third	восемнадцатый	eighteenth
четвёртый	fourth	девятнадцатый	nineteenth
пятый	fifth	двадцатый	twentieth
шестой	sixth	двадцать первый	twenty-first
седьмой	seventh	тридцатый	thirtieth
восьмой	eighth	сороковой	fortieth
девятый	ninth	пятидесятый	fiftieth
десятый	tenth	шестидесятый	sixtieth
одиннадцатый	eleventh	семидесятый	seventieth
двенадцатый	twelfth	восьмидесятый	eightieth
тринадцатый	thirteenth	девяностый	ninetieth
четырнадцатый	fourteenth	сотый	hundredth
пятнадцатый	fifteenth	тысячный	thousandth

Russian Numbers and their Appropriate Cases

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Numbers	Then use…
1, 21, 31, 41, 51, etc	The Nominative
2, 3, 4, 22, 23, 24, 32, 33, 34, etc	The Genitive Singular
5-19, 25-29, 35-39, etc	The Genitive Plural

Reflexive Pronouns in Russian

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 05:00:00 GMT

N	Себя
A	Себя
D	Себе
G	Себя
P	Себе
I	Собой

Russian Adjectives in the Accusative

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 21:43:00 GMT

Adjectives in the Accusative

Gender/Number	Ending	Examples
Masculine Мужской род	-ой or -ий	большой стул
Feminine Женский род	- ая or -яя	больш ая книга
Neuter Средний род	-ее	синее море
Plural Множественное число	- ие	большие ботинки громкие шумы синие книги

Russian Prepositions with the Genitive Case

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 05:00:00 GMT

The following prepositions require the Genitive Case:

Близ -- Close to
Без -- Without
Вместо -- Instead of
Вне -- Outside of
Внутри -- Inside of
Вокруг -- Around (usually a circular area)
Для -- for (use by, for the benefit of)
До -- up to, until
Мимо -- By, past
Около -- Near, around, approximately
Помимо -- Besides, other than
После -- After (event, day, etc.)
Против -- against, in opposition to

Russian Prepositions with the Instrumental Case

Sat, 08 Oct 2011 05:00:00 GMT

The following prepositions are used with the Instrumental Case:

За -- beyond, behind
Между -- Between
Над -- Over, above
Перед -- In front of
Под -- Under

Russian Prepositions in the Dative Case

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 05:00:00 GMT

The following prepositions are associated with the Dative Case:

Благодаря -- Thanks to
Вопреки -- Despite/in spite of
Наперекор -- Contrary to/
Согласно -- In accordance with, according to
Судя по -- Judging by

Russian Prepositions in the Prepositional Case

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 05:00:00 GMT

The following prepositions are associated with the Prepositional Case:

О(б) -- About (Same as the accusative про)

При -- Near/close to/on one's person/in the time of*

Russian Prepositions in the Accusative

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 05:00:00 GMT

The following prepositions are associated with the Accusative (Direct Object) case:

О(б) -- Against (Contact)
Про -- About
Сквозь -- Through
Через -- through, across, after x amount of time

Basic Russian Expressions

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 02:04:00 GMT

Yes – Да

Maybe - Может быть

No, that isn't necessary - Нет, не надо

Help me! - Помогите!

How much does it cost? - Сколько стоит?

I (don't) understand Я (не) понимаю

No - Нет

Most common French verbs

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 03:24:00 GMT

This site offers a really great collection of French verbs with translations. The page can be printed out and the size can be increased.

How to Learn a Second Language

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Last year, Forbes magazine had an interesting article on the art of learning a second language.

Some highlights from the article:

Once an individual masters one language, experts say learning additional foreign tongues can be much easier for a number of reasons. Individuals with previous experience know what's involved in the learning process and are more adept at cultivating strategies for communicating with limited comprehension. "And no matter how different the two languages are, there are some sounds or words that can be carried over," says DeKeyser.

The tricks to maintaining foreign fluency are very similar to the methods used to achieve it--you have to practice.

"Maintaining a language is a matter of dedicating enough time to it," says DeKeyser. "You need to interact with native speakers. Make every possible effort to speak the learned language on a daily basis."

The article can be read here.

English: The Inescapable Language?

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 23:52:00 GMT

The American has an interesting article about the ways that English is easier than many other languages to learn. Think about it: the English language has lost its distinction between "thee" and "you," which in some languages causes new learners to stumble.

Furthermore, English has largely eliminated its use of the subjunctive, whereas in French - as in many other languages - there is a complicated system of rules to memorize.

But English is difficult in other ways. The spelling, stress, and pronunciation rules are inconsistent and sometimes chaotic.

German Prepositions that Require the Accusative Case

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 17:11:00 GMT

German Accusative Prepositions
German	English
bis	until, to, by
durch	through, by
entlang	along, down
für	for
gegen	against, for
ohne	without
um	around, for; at (time)

German "Kitchen" Vocabulary

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 22:55:00 GMT

Teller = Plate

Messer = Knife

Löffel = Spoon

Gabel = Fork

Schüssel = Bowl

Gericht = Dish

Glas = Glass

Schale = Cup

Schrankn = Cabinet

Kühlschrank = Fridge

Russian Question Words

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:46:00 GMT

Что?   - What?
Как?   - How?
Сколько?   - How many?
Кто?   - Who?
Почему?   - Why?
Когдa?   - When?
Где?   - Where?
Куда?   - (to) Where?
Откуда?   - (from) Where?
Какой? (m), Какая? (f), Какое? (n) - Which? What sort of?
Чей? (m), Чья? (f), Чьё? (n), Чьи? (pl) - Whose?

EmpowerMost launches Russian Language Lab Program

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 03:43:00 GMT

Beginning in September, EmpowerMost will offer Russian language labs for students in the DC area who want to improve their spoken and written language skills. The weekly seminars will focus on essential grammar necessary for speaking. The seminar is appropriate for beginner students, but advanced students will also benefit from an intense review of all the language fundamentals.

For more information about the seminar series, or to reserve a space in the class, email us at info@empowermost.com

How to tell time in Russian

Sat, 13 Aug 2011 15:14:00 GMT

Telling time in Russian can be very confusing. This document goes through a step-by-step approach for how to tell time in Russian.

Overview of Russian Grammar Cases

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Overview of the Cases

The following chart gives an overview of the Russian cases.

When to use it

Nominative

The Nominative Case is the “subject” of the sentence.

The man is reading a book.

Accusative

The Accusative Case is the direct object of the sentence.

The man is reading a book.

Genitive

The Genitive Case is used after certain prepositions, to express negation, and to express possession.

The man’s book is lying on the table. (Or, as it is in Russian: “The book of the man is lying on the table.)

Dative

The Dative Case is used after certain prepositions and also denotes the indirect object.

The man gave the book to me.

Locative (Prepositional)

The Locative Case is used after many prepositions and to show location.

The man was reading a book in Chicago.

Instrumental

The Instrumental Case indicates the means or “agent” by which the action of the sentence is performed.

The man was reading a book with a flashlight.

Russian Possessive Pronouns "My"

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Masculine

Neuter

Feminine

Plural

Nominative

Мой

Моё

Моя

Мои

Accusative

Мой/
Моего (for animate)

Моё

Мою

Мои
Моих

Genitive

Моего

Моей

Моих

Dative

Моему

Моей

Моим

Locative (Prepositional)

Моём

Моей

Моих

Instrumental

Моим

Моей

Моими

Russian Possessive Pronouns "Your" (Singular)

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Your (Singular)

Masculine

Neuter

Feminine

Plural

Nominative

Твой

Твоё

Твоя

Твои

Accusative

Твой
Твоего

Твоё

Твою

Твои
Твоих

Genitive

Твоего

Твоей

Твоих

Dative

Твоему

Твоей

Твоим

Locative (Prepositional)

Твоём

Твоей

Твоих

Instrumental

Твоим

Твоей

Твоими

Russian Possessive Pronouns "His"

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMT

His

NOTE: Always use eго, regardless of the gender or number of the noun modified.

Masculine

Neuter

Feminine

Plural

Nominative

eго

Accusative

eго

Genitive

eго

Dative

eго

Locative (Prepositional)

eго

Instrumental

eго

Russian Possessive Pronouns "Its"

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Its

NOTE: Always use eго, regardless of the gender or number of the noun modified.

Masculine

Neuter

Feminine

Plural

Nominative

eго

Accusative

eго

Genitive

eго

Dative

eго

Locative (Prepositional)

eго

Instrumental

eго

Russian Possessive Pronouns "Her"

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Her

NOTE: Always use Её, regardless of the gender of the noun being modified.

Masculine

Neuter

Feminine

Plural

Nominative

Её

Accusative

Её

Genitive

Её

Dative

Её

Locative (Prepositional)

Её

Instrumental

Её

Examples:

Russian Possessive Pronouns "Their"

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Their

NOTE: Always use Их, regardless of the gender or number of the noun modified.

Masculine

Neuter

Feminine

Plural

Nominative

Их

Accusative

Их

Genitive

Их

Dative

Их

Locative (Prepositional)

Их

Instrumental

Их

Are you a translator?

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 02:29:00 GMT

If you are interested in becoming a translator or interpreter for EmpowerMost, please send your resume to info@empowermost.com

We are accepting applications for all languages.

Learn a foreign language with EmpowerMost

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 02:20:00 GMT

Are you interested in learning a foreign language? EmpowerMost offers personalized classes, ranging from one-on-one instruction to group classes for companies.

For more information, visit our Language Academy page.

Russian Personal Pronouns

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMT

You

Its

She

You

They

Nom.

Ты

Он

Оно

Она

Мы

Вы

Они

Acc.

Меня

Тебя

Его

Её

Нас

Вас

Их

Gen.

Меня

Тебя

Его

Её

Нас

Вас

Их

Dat.

Мне

Тебе

Ему

Ей

Нам

Вам

Им

Loc.

Мной

Тобой

Им

Ей

Нами

Вами

Ими

Inst.

Мне

Тебе

Нём

Ней

Нас

Вас

Них

Professions (in German)

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT

PROFESSIONS

der Architekt (-en) n. (male) architect

der Arzt (Ärzte) n. (male) doctor

der Bauarbeiter (-) n. (male) builder

der Bauer (-n) n. (male) farmer

der Beruf (-e) n. occupation, profession

der Bibliothekar (-e) n. (male) librarian

der Buchhalter (-) n. (male) bookkeeper/accountant

der Busfahrer (-) n. (male) bus driver

der Chirurg (-en) n. (male) surgeon

der Diplomat (-en) n. (male) diplomat

der Elektriker (-) n. (male) electrician

der Fotograf (-en) n. (male) photographer

der Friseur (-e) n. (male) hairdresser

der Feuerwehrmann (Feuerwehrmänner) n. fireman, fire-fighter

der Gärtner (-) n. (male) gardener

der Geschäftsmann (Geschäftsmänner) n. businessman

die Geschäftsfrau (-en) n. businesswoman

der Journalist (-en) n. (male) journalist

der Kellner (-) n. waiter

der Klempner (-) n. (male) plumber

der Koch (Köche) n. (male) cook

der Komponist (-en) n. (male) composer

die Krankenschwester (-n) n. (female) nurse

der Künstler (-) n. (male) artist

der Mechaniker (-) n. (male) mechanic

der Musiker (-) n. (male) musician

der Pilot (-en) n. (male) pilot

der Politiker (-) n. (male) politician

der Polizist (-en) n. policeman

der Richter (-) n. (male) judge

der Sänger (-) n. (male) singer

der Schauspieler (-) n. actor

die Schauspielerin (-nen) n. actress

der Schriftsteller (-) n. (male) writer/author

der Sekretär (-e) n. (male) secretary

der Soldat (-en) n. soldier

der Spion (-e) n. (male) spy

der Tänzer (-) n. (male) dancer

der Taxifahrer (-) n. (male) taxi driver

der Verkäufer (-) n. (male) shop/sales assistant

der Wissenschaftler (-) n. (male) scientist

der Zahnarzt (Zahnärzte) n. (male) dentist

In the city (German vocabulary)

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT

die Ampel (-n) n. (set of) traffic lights

die Apotheke (-n) n. pharmacy

der Ausgang (Ausgänge) n. exit, way out

die Bäckerei (-en) n. baker's (shop), bakery

die Bank (Bänke) n. bench

die Bank (-en) n. bank

bar bezahlen to pay (in) cash

das Bargeld n. cash

die Baustelle (-n) n. building site

beeindruckend adj. impressive

bezahlen v. to pay (for)

billig adj. cheap

die Brücke (-n) n. bridge

die Bücherei (-en) n. library

die Buchhandlung (-en) n. bookshop

das Büro (-s) n. office

das Café (-s) n. café/cafe

das Denkmal (Denkmäler) n. monument, memorial

der Dom (-e) n. cathedral

die Ecke (-n) n. corner

der Eingang (Eingänge) n. entrance, way in

einkaufen gehen to go shopping

der Einkaufskorb (Einkaufskörbe) n. shopping basket

das Einkaufszentrum (Einkaufszentren) n. shopping centre

die Eisenwarenhandlung (-en) n. ironmonger's (shop), hardware shop

eng adj. narrow

im Erdgeschoss on the ground floor

im ersten Stock on the first floor

die Feuerwache (-n) n. fire station

finden v. to find

das Fischgeschäft (-e) n. fish shop, fishmonger's (shop)

die Fleischerei (-en) n. butcher's (shop)

das Freizeitzentrum (Freizeitzentren) n. leisure centre

der Friseursalon (-s) n. hairdresser's, hair salon

die Fundsachen n. pl. lost property

die Galerie (-n) n. (art) gallery

das Gebäude (-) n. building

das Geld (-er) n. money

der Geldautomat (-en) n. ATM

der Gerichtshof (Gerichtshöfe) n. (law) court

das Geschäft (-e) n. shop

das Geschenk (-e) n. present, gift

die Hauptstraße (-n) n. main/high street

das Juweliergeschäft (-e) n. jeweler's (shop), jewelry shop

die Kasse n. checkout, cash desk; till, cash register

kaufen v. to buy

das Kaufhaus (Kaufhäuser) n. department store

das Kino (-s) n. cinema

der Kiosk (-e) n. kiosk

die Kirche (-n) n. church

die Konditorei (-en) n. cake shop

das Krankenhaus (Krankenhäuser) n. hospital

die Kreditkarte (-n) n. credit card

die Kreuzung (-en) n. junction, crossroads

der Kunde (-n) n. customer

das Lebensmittelgeschäft (-e) n. grocery store

links abbiegen to turn left

der Markt (Märkte) n. market

das Museum (Museen) n. museum

der Park (-s) n. park

der Parkplatz (Parkplätze) n. car park

der Platz (Plätze) n. square

die Polizeiwache (-n) n. police station

die Post (-en) n. post office

das Rathaus (Rathäuser) n. town hall

rechts abbiegen to turn right

das Restaurant (-s) n. restaurant

die Rolltreppe (-n) n. escalator

die Rückerstattung (-en) n. refund, reimbursement

der Schalter (-) n. counter

mit (einem) Scheck bezahlen to pay by check

der Scheck (-s) n. check

das Schuhgeschäft (-e) n. shoe shop

das Schwimmbad (Schwimmbäder) n. swimming pool

spazieren gehen to go for a walk

das Stadion (Stadien) n. stadium

die Statue (-n) n. statue

die Straße (-n) n. road, street

die Straßenlaterne (-n) n. street light/lamp

suchen v. to look/search for, to seek

der Supermarkt (Supermärkte) n. supermarket

die Synagoge (-n) n. synagogue

teuer adj. expensive, dear

das Theater (-) n. theatre

sich treffen (mit +dat.) v. to meet, to meet up (with)

der Tunnel (-/-s) n. tunnel

der Turm (Türme) n. tower

der Überweg (-e) n. (pedestrian) crossing

die Umkleidekabine (-n) n. changing/fitting room

umtauschen v. to exchange

die Unterführung (-en) n. underpass, subway

der Verkehr n. traffic

das Verkehrszeichen (-) n. road sign

sich verlaufen v. to get lost

der Zirkus (-se) n. circus

der Zoo (-s) n. zoo

Food Vocabulary (in German)

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT

zu Abend essen to have dinner/supper

das Abendessen n. dinner, supper, evening meal

die Ananas (-/-se) n. pineapple

der Apfel (Äpfel) n. apple

die Aprikose (-n) n. apricot

die Banane (-n) n. banana

der Becher (-) n. cup, mug, tumbler, beaker

die Birne (-n) n. pear

bitter adj. bitter

der Blumenkohl (-e) n. cauliflower

die Bohne (-n) n. bean

braten v. to fry; to bake, to roast

die Brombeere (-n) n. blackberry

das Brot (-e) n. bread; loaf (of bread)

die Butter n. butter

das Butterbrot (-e) n. (piece of) bread and butter, (open) sandwich

der Champignon (-s) n. (button) mushroom

die Dose (-n) n. tin, can; box

das Ei (-er) n. egg

die Erbse (-n) n. pea

die Erdbeere (-n) n. strawberry

essen v. to eat

das Essen (-) n. food; meal

der Essig n. vinegar

das Fett (-e) n. fat

der Fisch (-e) n. fish

das Fleisch n. meat, flesh

frisch adj. fresh

die Frucht (Früchte) (piece of) fruit

das Frühstück (-e) n. breakfast

frühstücken v. to (have) breakfast

die Gabel (-n) n. fork

das Gemüse n. vegetables

das Geschirr spülen to wash up, to do the washing-up/dishes

das Gewürz (-e) n. spice, seasoning, condiment

das Glas (Gläser) n. glass; jar

ein gutes Essen a good meal

das Hähnchen (-) n. chicken

das Hauptgericht (-e) n. main course

die Himbeere (-n) n. raspberry

der Honig n. honey

Hunger haben to be hungry

die Kartoffel (-n) n. potato

der Käse n. cheese

der Keks (-e) n. biscuit

die Kirsche (-n) n. cherry

der Knoblauch n. garlic

kochen v. to boil, to cook

der Kohl (-e) n. cabbage

das Kraut (Kräuter) n. herb; cabbage

der Krug (Krüge) n. jug; (beer-)mug, tankard

der Kuchen (-) n. cake

einen Kuchen backen to bake a cake

das Lammfleisch n. lamb

der Lauch (-e) n. leek

der Löffel (-) n. spoon

der Mais n. maize, sweet corn

das Mehl n. flour

die Melone (-n) n. melon

das Messer (-) n. knife

die Milch n. milk

zu Mittag essen to (have) lunch

das Mittagessen (-) n. lunch, midday meal

die Nachspeise (-n) n. dessert

die Nuss (Nüsse) n. nut

das Öl (-e) n. oil

die Paprika (-s) n. paprika; pepper (vegetable)

die Pfanne (-n) n. frying pan

der Pfeffer n. pepper (spice)

der Pfirsich (-e) n. peach

die Pflaume (-n) n. plum

der Reis n. rice

riechen v. to smell

das Rindfleisch n. beef

roh adj. raw

die Rosine (-n) n. raisin

die Sahne n. cream

der Salat (-e) n. lettuce; salad

das Salz (-e) n. salt

salzig adj. salty

satt sein to be full (up), to have had enough (to eat)

sauer adj. sour, sharp; pickled

scharf adj. hot, spicy; sharp

der Schinken (-) n. ham

die Schokolade (-n) n. chocolate; hot/drinking chocolate

die Schüssel (-n) n. bowl, dish

das Schweinefleisch n. pork

der Senf n. mustard

die Soße (-n) n. sauce; dressing

der Spargel (-) n. asparagus

die Speisekarte (-n) n. (printed) menu

der Spinat n. spinach

das Steak (-s) n. steak

die Suppe (-n) n. soup

süß adj. sweet

die Tasse (-n) n. cup

der Teller (-) n. plate

den Tisch abräumen to clear the table

den Tisch decken to set/lay the table

die Tomate (-n) n. tomato

der Topf (Töpfe) n. (sauce)pan, (cooking-)pot

die Traube (-n) n. grape

die Untertasse (-n) n. saucer

die Vorspeise (-n) n. starter, hors d'oeuvre

der Weizen n. wheat

die Wurst (Würste) n. (large/slicing) sausage

zart adj. tender, soft

die Zitrone (-n) n. lemon

der Zucker n. sugar

die Zwiebel (-n) n. onion

German Health Vocabulary

Sat, 23 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT

HEALTH
(Cartoon courtesy of Pam's ClipArt.)
akut adj. acute

die Allergie (-n) n. allergy

ansteckend adj. infectious

das Asthma n. asthma

atmen v. to breathe

sich ausruhen v. to rest

der Ausschlag (Ausschläge) n. rash

die Behandlung (-en) n. treatment

sich das Bein brechen to break one's leg

blass adj. pale; weak, faint

das Blut n. blood

der Blutdruck (Blutdrücke) n. blood pressure

die Chirurgie n. surgery

chronisch adj. chronic

der Daumen (-) n. thumb

die Diagnose (-n) n. diagnosis

die Dosis (Dosen) n. dose

die Droge (-n) n. drug

die Epidemie (-n) n. epidemic

sich erholen v. to recover, to recuperate, to get better

sich erkälten v. to catch/get a cold

die Erkältung (-en) n. cold

die Ernährung n. nutrition

sich fit halten to keep fit

das Fleisch n. flesh

der/das Furunkel (-) n. boil

gesund adj. healthy

die Gesundheit n. health

das Gift (-e) n. poison

die Grippe n. flu, influenza

das Heilmittel (-) n. remedy, cure

heiser adj. hoarse

der Herzschlag (Herzschläge) n. heartbeat

die Hüfte (-n) n. hip

ich fühle mich nicht wohl I don't feel (very) well

die Impfung (-en) n. vaccination

Kopfschmerzen haben to have a headache

kräftig adj. strong; healthy

krank adj. ill, unwell, sick

krank werden to fall/become ill, to be taken ill

der Krankenwagen (-) n. ambulance

die Krankheit (-en) n. illness, sickness, disease

die Krücke (-n) n. crutch

leben v. to live
leicht adj. mild, light, slight
leiden (an +dat.) v. to suffer (from)
die Medizin (-en) n. medicine
die Narbe (-n) n. scar
die Nebenwirkung (-en) n. side effect
die Operation (-en) n. operation
der Patient (-en) n. (male) patient
das Pflaster (-) n. (sticking) plaster
der Puls (-e) n. pulse
rauchen v. to smoke
das Rauchen aufgeben to give up smoking, to stop/quit smoking
das Rezept (-e) n. prescription
der Rollstuhl (Rollstühle) n. wheelchair
Rückenschmerzen haben to have (a) backache
die Schlinge (-n) n. sling
der Schmerz (-en) n. pain
schmerzhaft adj. painful
das Schmerzmittel (-) n. painkiller
der Schnitt (-e) n. cut
schwach adj. weak
der Schweiß n. sweat
die schwere Krankheit serious illness
die Spritze (-n) n. syringe; injection
sterben v. to die
die Tablette (-n) n. tablet, pill
eine Tablette nehmen to take a tablet/pill
der Termin (-e) n. appointment
das Thermometer (-) n. thermometer
trösten v. to comfort, to console
überleben v. to survive
der Unfall (Unfälle) n. accident
unheilbar adj. incurable
der Verband (Verbände) n. bandage
die Verletzung (-en) n. injury
die Verstopfung (-en) n. constipation
weinen v. to cry, to weep
wirksam adj. effective
wohl adj. well
Zahnschmerzen haben to have (a) toothache
die Zuckerkrankheit n. diabetes

German Animals (Vocabulary)

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 15:37:00 GMT

Animals

der Adler (-) n. eagle

die Ameise (-n) n. ant

der Bär (-en) n. bear

die Biene (-n) n. bee

der Elefant (-en) n. elephant

der Esel (-) n. donkey

die Eule (-n) n. owl

der Fisch (-e) n. fish

die Fledermaus (Fledermäuse) n. bat

der Fuchs (Füchse) n. fox

das Huhn (Hühner) n. hen; chicken

der Hund (-e) n. dog

das Insekt (-en) n. insect

das Kaninchen (-) n. rabbit

die Katze (-n) n. cat

das Krokodil (-e) n. crocodile

die Küchenschabe (-n) n. cockroach

die Kuh (Kühe) n. cow

der Löwe (-n) n. lion

die Maus (Mäuse) n. mouse

das Pferd (-e) n. horse

das Schaf (-e) n. sheep

die Schlange (-n) n. snake

der Schmetterling (-e) n. butterfly

die Schnecke (-n) n. snail

das Schwein (-e) n. pig

die Spinne (-n) n. spider

die Stechmücke (-n) n. mosquito, midge, gnat

das Tier (-e) n. animal; beast

der Tiger (-) n. tiger

die Wespe (-n) n. wasp

der Wolf (Wölfe) n. wolf

der Wurm (Würmer) n. worm

German Family Vocabulary

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Parents	die Eltern	Mother	die Mutter
Father	der Vater	Son	der Sohn
Daughter	die Tochter	Brother	der Bruder
Sister	die Schwester	Grandfather	der Großvater
Grandmother	die Großmutter	Grandson	der Enkel
Granddaughter	die Enkelin	Niece	die Nichte
Nephew	der Neffe	Cousin (m)	der Vetter
Cousin (f)	die Kusine	Uncle	der Onkel
Aunt	die Tante	Boy	der Junge
Girl	das Mädchen	Man	der Mann
Woman	die Frau	Friend	der Freund

German "Nature" and "Weather" Vocabulary

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT

NATURE

der Ast (Äste) n. branch

die Atmosphäre (-n) n. atmosphere

der Bach (Bäche) n. stream, brook

der Baum (Bäume) n. tree

der Berg (-e) n. mountain

bewölkt adj. cloudy, overcast

das Blatt (Blätter) n. leaf

der Blitz (-e) n. (flash of) lightning

blühen v. to flower, to bloom

die Blume (-n) n. flower

brennen v. to burn, to be on fire

die Brise (-n) n. breeze

die Bucht (-en) n. bay

der Donner (-) n. thunder

der Dorn (-en) n. thorn

das Eis (-) n. ice

das Erdbeben (-) n. earthquake

die Erde (-n) n. earth, soil

feucht adj. damp, moist; humid

das Feuer (-) n. fire

Feuer fangen to catch fire

flach adj. flat; shallow

fließen v. to flow

der Fluss (Flüsse) n river

der Frost (Fröste) n. frost

fruchtbar adj. fruitful; fertile

die Gezeiten n. pl. tides

das Gras (Gräser) n. grass

der Hagel (-s) n. hail

der Himmel (-) n. sky

der Hügel (-) n. hill

die Insel (-n) n. island

es ist kalt it's cold

das Klima n. climate

die Knospe (-n) n. bud

der Kontinent (-e) n. continent

die Küste (-n) n. coast, shore

die Lawine (-n) n. avalanche

lebend adj. alive, living

die Luft (Lüfte) n. air

der Mond (-e) n. moon

nass adj. wet

die Natur (-en) n. nature

natürlich adj. natural

der Nebel (-) n. fog, mist

es ist neblig it's foggy/misty

der Nieselregen (-) n. drizzle

der Orkan (-e) n. hurricane

der Ozean (-e) n. ocean

sich paaren v. to mate

die Pflanze (-n) n. plant

der Planet (-en) n. planet

der Regen (-) n. rain

der Regenbogen (-) n. rainbow

es regnet it's raining

der Sand (-e) n. sand

der Schauer (-) n. shower

scheinen v. to shine

der Schnee (-s) n. snow

der Schneesturm (Schneestürme) n. snowstorm, blizzard

die Schneewehe (-n) n. snowdrift

es schneit it's snowing

der See (-n) n. lake

die Sonne (-n) n. sun

das Sonnensystem (-e) n. solar system

es ist sonnig it's sunny

der Stein (-e) n. stone

der Stern (-e) n. star

der Sturm (Stürme) n. storm

das Tal (Täler) n. valley

der Teich (-e) n. pond, pool

tief adj. deep

tot adj. dead

die Überschwemmung (-en) n. flood

das Ufer (-) n. shore, (river)bank

das Universum n. universe

die Vegetation (-en) n. vegetation

vermehren v. to increase, to multiply; to breed

verrotten v. to rot, to decay

der Vogel (Vögel) n. bird

der Vulkan (-e) n. volcano

der Wald (Wälder) n. wood(s), forest

es ist warm it's hot/warm

das Wasser (-) n. water

der Wasserfall (Wasserfälle) n. waterfall

die Welle (-n) n. wave

die Welt (-en) n. world

der Weltraum n. (outer) space

das Wetter (-s) n. weather

die Wiese (-n) n. meadow

wild adj. wild

der Wind (-e) n. wind

es ist windig it's windy

die Wolke (-n) n. cloud

die Wurzel (-n) n. root

die Wüste (-n) n. desert

zahm adj. tame

Internationalization of English

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT

The Harvard Business Review blog has an interesting post about the "internationalization" of English and about the new words that are beginning to creep into the "English" that international business-types speak.

An excerpt:

Jean-Paul Nerrière, a former vice president of IBM, believes that the benefits to nonnative English speaking managers and leaders of International English outweigh the difficulties. Nerrière invented his own language system, Globish, a sort of "English light" to help for struggling executives. "It is not a language, it is a tool," says Nerrière. "A language is the vehicle of a culture. Globish doesn't want to be that at all. It is a means of communication."

In his book, Parlez Globish, Nerrière sets out the principles of Globish: a simplified vocabulary of 1,500 English words, some useful gestures, and an emphasis on repetition. The point, he says, is to reach the threshold of understanding. "The language spoken worldwide, by 88% of mankind, is not exactly English," he says. "People who think this gives them an edge are [not] right because it's not useful if they cannot be understood by English speakers."

German Months of the Year

Sun, 17 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT

January	Januar
February	Februar
March	März
April	April
May	Mai
June	Juni
July	Juli
August	August
September	September
October	Oktober
November	November
December	Dezember

German "Fruit" Vocabulary

Sat, 16 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT

grape	die Traube(n)
peach	der Pfirsisch(e)
orange	die Orange(n)
lemon	die Zitrone(n)
lime	die Limone (n)
cherry	die Kirsche(n)
raspberry	die Himbeere(n)
strawberry	die Erdbeere(n)
pear	die Birne(n)
banana	die Banane(n)
apricot	die Aprikose(n)
apple	der Apfel(ä)
pineapple	die Ananas
fruit	das Obst

German Seasons

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Winter	der Winter
Spring	der Frühling
Summer	der Sommer
Autumn	der Herbst

French "Parts of the Body"

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Parts of the Body

les cheveux - hair
les oreilles - ears
les yeux - eyes
le nez - nose
la bouche - mouth
le dent - teeth
le dos - back
le bras - arm
la main - Hand
le doigt - Finger
le ventre - Stomach
la jambe - Leg
le genou - Knee
le pied - Foot

What to look for in a translator (or translation company)

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 18:06:00 GMT

As part of EmpowerMost's July Business Blog Post Series, we want to focus on what makes a good translator.

Below are the top things to look for when finding a translator for your business.

1) Exceptional translating skills.
A lot of companies confuse language skills with translation skills. Not all native speakers are versed in the art of translating.

2) References.
Any translator your company considers should be able to produce a portfolio of work, as well as a list of references from past clients, preferably clients in similar fields.

3) Speed.
An important factor when choosing a translator is the pace he or she will be able to complete a project. Companies often have entire projects placed on hold while waiting for translators who fail to meet deadlines.

4) Command of the subject matter.
It is not enough for a translator to have a native command of the language; he or she must also be well-versed in the subject matter. Legal documents are best translated by those with a legal background (and possibly even a law degree, depending on the content).

German Body Parts Vocabulary

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT

BODY

der Arm (-e) n. arm

das Auge (-n) n. eye

die Augenbraue (-n) n. eyebrow

der Bauch (Bäuche) n. belly, abdomen

das Bein (-e) n. leg

die Brust (Brüste) n. breast; chest

der Ellenbogen (-) n. elbow

die Ferse (-n) n. heel

der Finger (-) n. finger

der Fuß (Füße) n. foot

das Gesicht (-er) n. face

der Hals (Hälse) n. throat

die Hand (Hände) n. hand

das Handgelenk (-e) n. wrist

die Haut (Häute) n. skin

das Herz (-en) n. heart

der Kiefer (-) n. jaw

das Kinn (-e) n. chin

das Knie (-) n. knee

der Knöchel (-) n. knuckle; ankle

der Knochen (-) n. bone

der Kopf (Köpfe) n. head

der Körper (-) n. body

die Leber (-n) n. liver

die Lippe (-n) n. lip

die Lunge (-n) n. lung

der Magen (-/Mägen) n. stomach

der Mund (Münder) n. mouth

der Muskel (-n) n. muscle

der Nagel (Nägel) n. (finger/toe)nail

die Nase (-n) n. nose

die Niere (-n) n. kidney

der Oberschenkel (-) n. thigh

das Ohr (-en) n. ear

der Rücken (-) n. back

der Schädel (-) n. skull

die Schläfe (-n) n. temple

die Schulter (-n) n. shoulder

das Skelett (-e) n. skeleton

die Stirn (-en) n. forehead, brow

die Taille (-n) n. waist

die Wange (-n) n. cheek

die Wimper (-n) n. eyelash

die Wirbelsäule (-n) n. spinal column, spine

der Zahn (Zähne) n. tooth

die Zehe (-n) n. toe

die Zunge (-n) n. tongue

German Pronouns

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Pronouns replace nouns in sentences.
Examples in English.

I saw the man yesterday.
I saw him yesterday.

The German personal pronouns are listed below.

I = ich
you = du
he = er
she = sie
it = es
we = wir
you (plural) = ihr
they = sie
you (formal) = Sie

German Vocabulary for "Learning" and "Education"

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT

der Absatz (Absätze) n. paragraph
abschreiben v. to copy
die Antwort (-en) n. answer, reply
antworten v. to answer
artig adj. good, well-behaved
aufmerksam adj. attentive, observant
die Aufnahmeprüfung (-en) n. entrance exam
der Aufsatz (Aufsätze) n. essay
die Ausbildung (-en) n. training, instruction; education
das Ausrufezeichen (-e) n. exclamation mark/point
ausstreichen v. to cross out, to delete
begabt adj. gifted
das Beispiel (-e) n. example
die Biologie n. biology
der Bleistift (-e) n. pencil
die Chemie n. chemistry
der Computer (-) n. computer
das Diktat (-e) n. dictation
der Direktor (-en) n. (male) principal
der Dozent (-en) n. (male) professor
einfach adj. simple
die Erdkunde n. geography
sich erinnern (an +acc.) v. to remember
das Fach (Fächer) n. (school) subject; field
falsch adj. incorrect, wrong; false
faul adj. lazy
der Fehler (-) n. mistake
der Fernkurs (-e) n. correspondence course
fleißig adj. hard-working, industrious, diligent
die Forschung (-en) n. research
die Frage (-n) n. question
eine Frage stellen to ask a question
fragen v. to ask
das Fragezeichen (-e) n. question mark
die Fremdsprache (-n) n. foreign language
gebildet adj. educated
gehorsam adj. obedient
genau adj. exact, precise, accurate
die Geschichte (-n) n. history
die Grammatik (-en) n. grammar
die Hausaufgabe (-n) n. (piece of) homework
das Heft (-e) n. notebook
die Informatik n. computer science, information technology
interessant adj. interesting
der Kindergarten (Kindergärten) n. nursery school, kindergarten
das Klassenzimmer (-) n. classroom
das Komma (-s) n. comma
die Kreide (-n) n. chalk
der Kugelschreiber (-) n. (ball-point) pen
die Kunst (Künste) n. art; skill
einen Kurs(us) besuchen to go on a course, to take/attend a course
langweilig adj. boring
das Lehrbuch (Lehrbücher) n. textbook
der Lehrer (-) n. (male) teacher
der Lehrplan (Lehrpläne) n. syllabus, curriculum
lernen v. to learn
lesen v. to read
die Literatur n. literature
die Lösung (-en) n. solution, answer
die Mathematik n. mathematics, math
die Mittagspause (-n) n. lunch break
die Musik n. music
die Note (-n) n. grade
die Philosophie (-n) n. philosophy
die Phrase (-n) n. phrase
die Physik n. physics
die Politik n. politics
eine Prüfung bestehen to pass an exam
die Prüfung (-en) n. exam, test
eine Prüfung machen to take an exam
eine Prüfung nicht bestehen to fail an exam
das Prüfungsergebnis (-se) n. exam result
die Psychologie n. psychology
der Punkt (-e) n. period; point; dot
die Qualifikation (-en) n. qualification
Recht haben to be right
richtig adj. right, correct
der Satz (Sätze) n. sentence
schreiben v. to write
die Schule (-n) n. school
die Schule verlassen to graduate (from school)
der Schüler (-) n. (male) pupil, schoolboy
schwer adj. difficult, hard
die Seite (-n) n. page; side
die Soziologie n. sociology
der Sportplatz (Sportplätze) n. playing field, sports ground
der Student (-e) n. (male) student
studieren v. to study
das Studium (Studien) n. study, studies
die Stunde (-n) n. lesson, class; hour
der Stundenplan (Stundenpläne) n. schedule
der Taschenrechner (-) n. (pocket) calculator
das Thema (Themen) n. theme, topic, subject
die Theologie n. theology
die Übung (-en) n. practice; exercise
ungehorsam adj. disobedient
ungenau adj. inaccurate
die Universität (-en) n. university
Unrecht haben to be wrong
unterrichten v. to teach, to instruct
unterstreichen v. to underline
vergessen v. to forget
verstehen v. to understand
die Wandtafel (-n) n. blackboard, chalkboard
wiederholen v. to repeat
die Wirtschaftswissenschaft (-en) n. economics
wissen v. to know
die Wissenschaft (-en) n. science
das Wörterbuch (Wörterbücher) n. dictionary
zeigen v. to show

German Drinks/Beverages Vocabulary

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT

BEVERAGES/DRINKS

der Apfelwein (-e) n. cider

das Bier (-e) n. beer

Durst haben to be thirsty

eine Flasche Wein bestellen to order a bottle of wine

das Getränk (-e) n. drink, beverage

das Heißgetränk (-e) n. hot drink

der Kaffee n. coffee

die Limonade (-n) n. lemonade

der Saft (Säfte) n. juice

der Tee n. tea

trinken v. to drink

der Wein (-e) n. wine

die Weinkarte (-n) n. wine list

Russian literature available on the internet

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 23:06:00 GMT

For those interested in improving their reading skills in Russian, this site offers several Russian language books. Be sure to check out the classics section, too.

German Travel Vocabulary

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT

TRAVEL

abfahren v. to depart, to leave

ankommen v. to arrive

der Ausflug (Ausflüge) n. excursion, outing

ins Ausland gehen to go abroad

der Ausländer (-) n. (male) foreigner

auspacken v. to unpack

das Auto (-s) n. car, automobile

die Autobahn (-en) n. highway, interstate, freeway

der Bahnhof (Bahnhöfe) n. (railroad/train) station

das Benzin (-e) n. gas, gasoline

bleiben v. to stay

braun werden to get a (sun)tan

der Bus (-se) n. bus

die Bushaltestelle (-n) n. bus stop

der Campingplatz (Campingplätze) n. campsite

Deutsch sprechen to speak German

die Devisen n. pl. foreign currency

das Dorf (Dörfer) n. village

einpacken v. to pack

die Eisenbahn (-en) n. railroad

erforschen v. to explore

exotisch adj. exotic

die Fahrkarte (-n) n. ticket

das Fahrrad (Fahrräder) n. bicycle, bike

der Flughafen (Flughäfen) n. airport

das Flugzeug (-e) n. (air)plane

fremd adj. strange; foreign

das Gebiet (-e) n. area, region, district

das Gepäck n. baggage, luggage

die Grenze (-n) n. border

der Hafen (Häfen) n. harbor, port

Heimweh haben to be/feel homesick

das Hotel (-s) n. hotel

die Jugendherberge (-n) n. youth hostel

der Koffer (-) n. suitcase

landen v. to land

langsam adj. slow

leicht adj. light

das Motorrad (Motorräder) n. motorcycle, motorbike

der Pass (Pässe) n. passport; pass

die Postkarte (-n) n. postcard

die Reise (-n) n. journey

reisen v. to travel

die Richtung (-en) n. direction

der Rucksack (Rucksäcke) n. backpack

das Schiff (-e) n. ship

schnell adj. fast, quick, rapid

schwer adj. heavy

seekrank adj. seasick

die Sehenswürdigkeiten sehen to see the sights

sich sonnen v. to sunbathe

(einen) Sonnenbrand bekommen to get (sun)burnt

die Stadt (Städte) n. town, city

der Stadtplan (Stadtpläne) n. street map

der Strand (Strände) n. beach

die Tankstelle (-n) n. gas station

das Taxi n. taxi

die Tour (-en) n. tour; trip

der Tourismus n. tourism

tropisch adj. tropical

ein Zimmer reservieren to reserve a room

der Zoll (Zölle) n. customs; duty

in den Zug einsteigen to get on the train, to board the train

der Zug (Züge) n. train

Understanding the Russian infinitive of verb

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT

The dictionary form of a Russian verb is called the "infinitive." The infinitive in English is always in the form "to do." For example, these are infinitive verbs in English:
"to read"
"to love"
"to decide"
"to walk"

When we change these verbs to use with the subject of the sentence, we say we are conjugating the verb.

In English, we conjugate verbs without thinking about it.

I read
You read
He reads
She reads
We read
They read

Notice that the verb changes for the third person singular (he/she).

In Russian, we do the same process of conjugating for verbs.

The infinitive form of most of Russian verbs ends in -ть or -ти. These endings on the verbs are called suffixes of the infinitive (строить, вести).

To conjugate verbs, here is a simple chart to help you.

	Singular	Plural
First person	Я читаю I am reading OR I read	Мы читаем We are reading OR We read
Second person	Ты читаешь You are reading OR You read	Вы читаете You are reading OR You read
Third person	Он/она/оно читает He/she/it is reading OR He/she/it reads	Они читают They are reading OR They read

Gender in German

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 15:11:00 GMT

Gender in German

Grammatical gender in German must be memorized. German has three genders for nouns: masculine, feminine, and neuter. To assist in memorizing, there are several categories of rules that should be memorized.

Masculine:

male humans and animals: der Mann, der Vater, der Löwe, der Bär
days, months, seasons of the year, Compass points: der Sonntag, Mai, Herbst, Osten [East]
forms of precipitation, kinds of wind: der Regen, Schnee, Hagel, Föhn, Monsun, Orkan
most nouns that are derived from verbs: der Kauf, der Wurf, der Sprung, der Gang.
most nouns ending in -er, -el, -ling: der Lehrer, der Wecker, der Schlüssel
most nouns ending in -en: der Boden, der Regen, Wagen
nouns with the suffixes -ant, -ar, -är, -ent, -eur, -ier, -ist, -or, -ismus
brands of car: der Mercedes, Porsche, Ford

Neuter:

many offspring of humans and animals: das Kind, Kalb, Küken, Lamm.
names of animals that include both male and female: das Pferd, das Schwein, das Schaaf.
names of cities, continents, and most countries: das alte Berlin, Asien, Frankreich.
metals und chemical elements: das Gold, Silber, Eisen, Blei, Chrom
collective nouns: das Volk, Besteck, Geschirr.
numbers when they indicate a set (of people, years, etc.): das Duo, das Quintett, das Jahrzehnt
nouns with the endings -chen, -lein and -sel: das Mädchen, Fräulein
nouns with the suffixes -ett, -ment and -um: das Ballett, Sonnett, Parlament

Feminine:

female humans and animals, often with -in: die Frau, die Tochter, die Kuh, die Lehrerin
numbers and digits: die Eins, die Siebzehn
names of ships and airplanes: die Bismarck, die Europa, die Boeing.
Many words that end in -e: die Wanne, Birne, Tasse
Almost all words with the suffixes -ei, -heit, -keit, -schaft, -t, -ung
All words with the suffixes -age, -enz, -esse, -euse, -ie, -ik, -ion, -itis, -tät, -ur

Learn German Online

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 14:43:00 GMT

EmpowerMost offers free online resources for students learning German.

Click here to access EmpowerMost's library of resources in German, including grammar charts, new vocabulary, and written exercises.

German Numbers

Sun, 03 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Below are the basic numbers in German.

0	1	2	3	4	5
zero Null	one Eins	two Zwei	three Drei	four Vier	five Fünf

6	7	8	9	10	11
six Sechs	seven Sieben	eight Acht	nine Neun	ten Zehn	eleven Elf

12	13	14	15	16	17
twelve Zwölf	thirteen Dreizehn	fourteen Vierzehn	fifteen Fünfzehn	sixteen Sechzehn	seventeen Siebzehn

18	19	20	21	22
eighteen Achtzehn	nineteen Neunzehn	twenty Zwanzig	twenty-one Einundzwanzig	twenty-two Zweiundzwanzig

30	40	50	60	70	80
thirty Dreißig	forty Vierzig	fifty Fünfzig	sixty Sechzig	seventy Siebzig	eighty Achtzig

90	100	1,000
ninety Neunzig	one hundred Einhundert	one thousand Eintausend

German Geography Vocabulary

Sat, 02 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Geography

der Äquator n. equator

(das) Asien n. Asia

der Atlantische Ozean Atlantic Ocean

australisch adj. Australian

(das) Belgien n. Belgium

belgisch adj. Belgian

brasilianisch adj. Brazilian

(das) Brasilien n. Brazil

britisch adj. British

(das) China n. China

chinesisch adj. Chinese

(das) Dänemark n. Denmark

dänisch adj. Danish

(das) Deutschland n. Germany

deutsch adj. German

(das) England n. England

englisch adj. English

(das) Europa n. Europe

(das) Frankreich n. France

französisch adj. French

(das) Griechenland n. Greece

griechisch adj. Greek

(das) Holland n. Holland

(das) Indien n. India

indisch adj. Indian

der Indische Ozean Indian Ocean

irisch adj. Irish

(das) Irland n. Ireland

(das) Italien n. Italy

italienisch adj. Italian

(das) Japan n. Japan

japanisch adj. Japanese

(das) Kanada n. Canada

kanadisch adj. Canadian

das Land (Länder) n. land; country; state

mexikanisch adj. Mexican

(das) Mexiko n. Mexico

das Mittelmeer n. Mediterranean (Sea)

die Niederlande n. pl. (the) Netherlands

(das) Nordamerika n. North America

nordamerikanisch adj. North American

der Norden n. (the) north

der Nordpol n. North Pole

das Nordpolarmeer n. Arctic Ocean

die Nordsee n. North Sea

(das) Norwegen n. Norway

norwegisch adj. Norwegian

(das) Neuseeland n. New Zealand

der Osten n. (the) east

(das) Österreich n. Austria

österreichisch adj. Austrian

die Ostsee n. Baltic (Sea)

der Pazifische Ozean Pacific Ocean

(das) Polen n. Poland

polnisch adj. Polish

(das) Portugal n. Portugal

portugiesisch adj. Portuguese

russisch adj. Russian

(das) Russland n. Russia

schottisch adj. Scottish

(das) Schottland n. Scotland

das Schwarze Meer Black Sea

(das) Schweden n. Sweden

schwedisch adj. Swedish

die Schweiz n. Switzerland

schweizerisch adj. Swiss

(das) Spanien n. Spain

spanisch adj. Spanish

(das) Südamerika n. South America

südamerikanisch adj. South American

der Süden n. (the) south

der Südpol n. South Pole

das Südpolarmeer n. Antarctic Ocean

die Türkei n. Turkey

türkisch adj. Turkish

ungarisch adj. Hungarian

(das) Ungarn n. Hungary

(das) Wales n. Wales

walisisch adj. Welsh

die Welt (-en) n. world

der Westen n. (the) west

German Vocabulary for Clothing

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT

abgetragen adj. worn(-out)
anprobieren v. to try on
sich anziehen v. to dress (oneself), to get dressed
der Anzug (Anzüge) n. (man's) suit
das Armband (Armbänder) n. bracelet
der Ärmel (-) n. sleeve
sich ausziehen v. to undress (oneself), to get undressed
der Badeanzug (Badeanzüge) n. bathing suit, swimsuit
die Badehose (-n) n. sg. (pair of) swimming trunks
die Baumwolle (-n) n. cotton
bequem adj. comfortable
die Bluse (-n) n. blouse
die Brieftasche (-n) n. wallet
die Brille (-n) n. sg. (pair of) glasses
der Fleck (-e) n. stain, mark, spot
die Größe (-n) n. size
der Gürtel (-) n. belt
der Handschuh (-e) n. glove
die Handtasche (-n) n. handbag, purse
der Hausschuh (-e) n. slipper, indoor shoe
das Hemd (-en) n. shirt
die Hose (-n) n. sg. (pair of) pants/trousers
der Hut (Hüte) n. hat
die Jacke (-n) n. jacket
die Jeans n. pl. jeans
der Jogginganzug (Jogginganzüge) n. jogging suit
die Kette (-n) n. chain, necklace
das Kleid (-er) n. (woman's) dress; garment, piece of clothing
die Kleider n. pl. clothes, clothing
der Knopf (Knöpfe) n. button
das Kostüm (-e) n. (woman's) suit; costume
der Kragen (-) n. collar
die Krawatte (-n) n. tie
kurz adj. short
lang adj. long
das Leder (-) n. leather
das Leinen (-) n. linen
der Lippenstift (-e) n. lipstick
das Make-up (-s) n. make-up
der Mantel (Mäntel) n. coat
die Mode (-n) n. fashion
modisch adj. fashionable
die Mütze (-n) n. cap
das Nachthemd (-en) n. nightgown
nähen v. to sew
die Nähmaschine (-n) n. sewing machine

das Nylon (-s) n. nylon
der Ohrring (-e) n. earring
orange adj. orange
das Paar (-e) n. pair
das Parfüm (-s) n. perfume
passen (+dat.) v. to fit; to suit
der Pelz (-e) n. fur
der Pullover (-) n. sweater, pullover
der Regenmantel (Regenmäntel) n. raincoat
der Ring (-e) n. ring
der Rock (Röcke) n. skirt
der Samt (-e) n. velvet
die Sandale (-n) n. sandal
der Satin (-s) n. satin
der Schal (-s) n. scarf
der Schirm (-e) n. umbrella
der Schlafanzug (Schlafanzüge) n. (pair of) pajamas
der Schleier (-) n. veil
der Schmuck (-e) n. jewelry
der Schnürsenkel (-) n. (shoe)lace
der Schuh (-e) n. shoe
die Seide (-n) n. silk
die Shorts n. pl. shorts
die Socke (-n) n. sock
die Sonnenbrille (-n) n. sg. (pair of) sunglasses
der Stiefel (-) n. boot
der Stoff (-e) n. material, fabric, cloth
stricken v. to knit
der Strumpf (Strümpfe) n. stocking
die Strumpfhose (-n) n. pantyhose
die Tasche (-n) n. pocket
das Taschentuch (Taschentücher) n. handkerchief
das T-Shirt (-s) n. T-shirt, tee-shirt
der Turnschuh (-e) n. sneaker
sich umziehen v. to change (one's clothes), to get changed
die Uniform (-en) n. uniform
das Unterhemd (-en) n. undershirt
die Unterhose (-n) n. sg. (pair of) underpants
die Unterwäsche n. underwear; lingerie
sich verkleiden (als) v. to dress up (as), to disguise oneself (as)
weich adj. soft, smooth
weiß adj. white
weit adj. wide; loose(-fitting)
die Weste (-n) n. vest
die Wolle (-n) n. wool
zuknöpfen v. to button (up)

Russian Spelling Rules

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 21:57:00 GMT

Spelling rules in Russian are simple to memorize and generally involve substituting one letter for another.

Spelling Rule #1: Ы - И

Never write the letter "Ы" after the letters 'Г, К, Х, Ж, Ч, Ш, Щ' instead use "И"

Spelling Rule #2: unstressed O - E

Never write an unstressed "O" after the letters 'Ж, Ч, Ш, Щ, Ц'. Use "E" instead.

Spelling Rule #3: Я - А

Never write the letter "Я" after the letters 'Г, К, Х, Ж, Ч, Ш, Щ, Ц'. Use "А" instead.

Spelling Rule #4: Ю - У

Never write the letter "Ю" after the letters 'Г, К, Х, Ж, Ч, Ш, Щ, Ц'; instead use "У"

Russian Pronouns in the Nominative

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 19:18:00 GMT

Pronouns replace nouns. Examples of pronouns are: I, you, we.

Below are the Russian pronouns in the nominative case. (Reminder: the nominative case is for the subject of a sentence or the one that performs the action.)

Я - I

Ты - You (informal)

Он - He, It (m)

Она - She, It (f)

Оно - It (n)

Мы - We

Вы - You (formal or plural)

Они - They

Gender in Russian Language

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 19:04:00 GMT

In Russian every noun is assigned a gender (masculine, feminine, or neuter). It is important to understand gender and how to distinguish among the three genders in order to use adjectives and other modifiers for the noun.

The good news is that gender in Russian is easy to master and the rules are very simple.

1. If the last letter of the word is a consonant or “й”, the word is masculine.
2. If the last letter of the word is “а” or “я” it is feminine.
3. If the last letter of the word is “о” or “е” it is neuter.
4. If the last letter of the word is a soft sign “ь” then it could be either masculine or feminine. You will need to memorize these words and remember their gender. Fortunately, not many words in Russian end in a soft sign.

Russian Alphabet

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 05:00:00 GMT

The Russian alphabet has 33 letters, which should be memorized as a first step to learning the language.

А, Б, В, Г, Д, Е, Ё, Ж, З, И, Й, К, Л, М, Н, О, П, Р, С, Т, У, Ф, Х, Ц, Ч, Ш, Щ, Ъ, Ы, Ь, Э, Ю, Я

Follow us on Twitter

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Be sure to follow EmpowerMost on Twitter for the latest translation news, translation jobs, and language learning resources.

@EmpowerMost

A Guide to Interpreters and Translators (Business News Express)

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Business News Express earlier this year wrote a great article to differentiate between interpreting and translating. The article is a great resource for businesses that are preparing to embark on globalizing their products and services and want a quick primer on translation services.

Read the full article here

Seeking Russian/Ukrainian/Estonian language instructors

Thu, 12 May 2011 05:00:00 GMT

EmpowerMost Translations is seeking Chicago-based language instructors to conduct private language instruction for students. Classes range from 10 to 12 weeks and will correspond with the Summer Semester.

EmpowerMost has the following immediate needs:

1) A Russian language instructor for 15-20 hours a week. Classes will be held in West Loop and/or downtown.

2) A Ukrainian language instructor for 5-10 hours a week. The class will take place near Ukrainian Village.

3) A language instructor whose native language is Estonian. This course will be held 5 hours a week, near River North. Lessons will range from: vocabulary-building, speaking, writing, and basic reading comprehension.

For inquiries, please follow EmpowerMost's guidelines for applying. Preference will be given to instructors with academic references.

Conjugating regular -ER verbs in French

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 06:00:00 GMT

There are five types of verbs in French grammar: 1) regular -ER, 2) regular -IR, 3) regular –RE, 4) stem-changing verb, and 5) irregular. The majority of French verbs are regular -ER verbs.

The verb form that ends in -ER is called the infinitive (in English, we form the infinitive by using the word “to” + the verb). The verb with the infinitive ending removed is called the stem or the radical. To conjugate -ER verbs, remove the infinitive ending to find the stem and then add the regular ending.

French regular -ER verb conjugations
To conjugate an -ER verb in the present tense, remove the infinitive ending and then add the appropriate endings. Below are three common -ER verbs: parler (to speak), donner (to give), and visiter (to visit):

	Ending	*parler* > *parl-*	*donner* > *donn-*	*visiter* > *visit-*
je	-e	parle	donne	visite
tu	-es	parles	donnes	visites
il	-e	parle	donne	visite
nous	-ons	parlons	donnons	visitons
vous	-ez	parlez	donnez	visitez
ils	-ent	parlent	donnent	visitent

The French verb "avoir"

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 06:00:00 GMT

In French, the verb "avoir" (to have) has a special conjugation.

j'ai nous avons
tu as vous avez
il/elle a ils ont